Abstract
Fair access to fresh fruits and vegetable is an important aspect of a healthy civil society. This study investigates the potential of farmers markets to transform food deserts of Texas into oases. Data for age, sex, race, income, grocery store access, and farmers markets in Texas were obtained from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service Food Environment Atlas and the US Census Bureau, in order to investigate the association between civic agriculture in the form of farmers markets and food insecurity in Texas. Data were statistically analyzed and spatially investigated. Spatial analysis of the distance to nearest farmers market suggests a strong inverse correlation between the distribution of civic agriculture activities and food deserts. These results encourage non-farmers transition to farming careers and help local farmers in Texas improve their competitiveness, preserve their farming traditions, and contribute to their societal and economic development.
Highlights
“The world food order is increasingly fragile, supplemented by ad hoc food assistance programs, and countered by alternative agricultures” [1]
Can a small local farmer’s market or a food coop break the cycle of a global or a national unevenly distributed food system? The purpose of this study is to thoroughly examine this possibility for a distinctive state like Texas
More than 37% of Texan census tracts are located in food deserts
Summary
“The world food order is increasingly fragile, supplemented by ad hoc food assistance programs, and countered by alternative agricultures” [1]. Mainstream US food system is of global large scale where farmers, corporations, and government programs synchronize their activities in order to ensure food security. Others see the need for the government to take care of all the community needs [18] while others argue that the society needs to embed economic transactions in its structure but with prioritizing individuals’ needs [6]. Applying this to food system, by incorporating local food systems within the society in the form of civic agriculture, the community can strengthen its social links, which supports justice in the food system
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
